“In 4 short years, I’d been removed at birth from my mother, placed into foster care, reunified with my birth father, and then placed back into foster care. I’d experienced family separation, failed reunification, abuse, neglect, and had already been named, renamed, and named again.”
‘The evaluation read, ‘Keri’s past can best be characterized as chaotic, emotionally inadequate, and abusive.’: Woman details traumatic foster care and adoption, shares healing journey
‘Our love story began in a castle, but our journey ahead wasn’t a fairytale.’: Couple share infertility battle, journey to international adoption
“Adoption is a calling, not a backup plan.”
‘My 19-year-old boyfriend was the first person to ever recognize me as a mother.’: Birthmother pleas for recognition of ALL moms on Mother’s Day
“The first Mother’s Day I experienced post placement, I felt hollow. No one said a word. I didn’t communicate that Mother’s Day would be a trigger for my grief, but somehow this 19-year-old boy knew and validated those feelings in a tangible way.”
‘Your birth daughter is eager to meet you.’ Tears streamed down my face.’: Teen mom shares bonding journey with birth daughter
“I was praying every day that someday she would want to know me. ‘Can you repeat that? I want to make sure I understand you correctly.’ My jaw hinged open and I was rendered speechless.”
‘We deserve honest and direct answers about our biology.’: Adoptee advises adoptive parents on creating healthy foundations for their children
“I was discouraged from ever mentioning my mother. Until 13, I didn’t even know her name. Our curiosity is not a threat; your jealousy is.”
‘I heard my daughter’s name be announced as a ‘Nichols’ in the courtroom, and I Immediately sobbed.’: Mom reflects on emotions of foster-to-adopt journey
“We did everything we could to support her biological mother. Sadly, it became clear reunification would not be possible. I remember feeling that we would adopt her, but it was not an easy path.”
‘Can I please call you dad now?’ I asked if he really wanted that. He said, ‘More than anything in the world!’: Stepdad adopts son into forever family
“During the adoption process, when he could see I was having a tough day, he gave me the most powerful advice: ‘Dad, don’t give up hope and keep fighting because we will win!'”
‘I may not know their names, but they gave me their DNA, building the unique person I am.’: International adoptee shares how she’s found peace with adoption
“It is okay, and healthy, to mourn the loss of memories and my culture and heritage. At the same time, I can celebrate my adoption story and the unique journey I am living out.”
‘Her oldest son Patrick asked if I would adopt him and become his other parent forever. Of course, I said yes.’: LGBT woman shares journey through blended family, step-parent adoption
“It was supposed to be a happy day, but I had so many fears about something going wrong. I think Patrick did, too. Both of us sat in the courtroom holding each other’s hands. Jen had to keep reminding us everything was going to be okay.”
‘It is worth it to give up a little bit of your life so someone else can live their life well.’: Woman shares selfless journey supporting moms in need
“They kept telling me I needed to let this mama sink or swim on her own. I knew I could never do that. I will always be there with my door open for young and afraid moms.”